Despite having spent twelve years chained-up in isolated FARC jungle prisons, the four Colombian hostages who were rescued on Sunday in “Operation Chameleon” show no signs of mental illness, reports El Espectador on Tuesday.
According to Doctor Benjamin Reyes, director of Colombia’s Police Hospital, “no mental disorders have been detected” in the rescued hostages General Mendieta, Colonel Murillo, Colonel Donato and Sergeant Arbey Argote.
The doctor also announced that the men will be released shortly, saying, “It is possible that the officers will leave today or later tomorrow, after they complete all of the necessary medical procedures.”
According to reports, the men are in good physical condition and are being treated for skin lesions and malaria, and will receive one year of psychological counseling to help them reintegrate back into society.
Speaking on Caracol Radio on Tuesday, General Mendieta explained that after twelve years in the jungle, “it was difficult to sleep in a soft bed,” and that he “could not have imagined” being in a city.
Sunday’s rescue operation took place in the department of Guaviare and involved some 300 members of the Colombian Army.